How can I raise my platelet count? (With food)

Posted by denisem20 @denisem20, Mar 3, 2023

How can I help my husband raise his platelet count? He has highs and lows. Right now he’s at a low. He’s had treatments and they worked but just recently he started with petechiae again. I’m worried, he’s never had it on his feet and arms before. Now it’s basically all over. His doctor appointment is t till about another week or two.

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@suetex

I promised to post after my small experiment with papaya leaf extract-and it did have several other things in it too. It is Papaya Complete by Pure Nutrition. My counts were 95, a week later, 100, took extract for 2 weeks, then tested at 96. So no gain ihere, but is the time period meaningful? One of the things it does have is 17 mgs of iron which keeps me from using my multi, which also has iron. So maybe I'll alternate? Still thinking about it......

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We tried papaya capsules. Also found no change. What we are doing now, eating salads at least 3 times a week. Drinking eggplant tea and artichoke tea. So far his platelets have been really good! Along with his promacta. Doc says not to change anything we’re doing. He also has about 50-60% less stress. (Change of jobs) Best of luck!

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@denisem20

We tried papaya capsules. Also found no change. What we are doing now, eating salads at least 3 times a week. Drinking eggplant tea and artichoke tea. So far his platelets have been really good! Along with his promacta. Doc says not to change anything we’re doing. He also has about 50-60% less stress. (Change of jobs) Best of luck!

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Interesting, I will look into it. Thanks for posting.

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@suetex

Interesting, I will look into it. Thanks for posting.

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One more thing, I read somewhere that bell peppers help. The salads we eat have bell peppers. I like to put all of them to make it colorful.

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@1deedee

I take papaya leaf extract to
Raise my platelets. It comes in capsules as well
From Herbal Goodness. It’s expensive but it works. Also
Wheatgrass.
I have MDS with my platelets running 30 to 40.

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I’m just getting notifications about responses. I’m sorry for the delay. But I’ve had a change to check out other food. Thankfully he’s had a change of jobs ( less stress) he’s off of prednisone and on promacta. He’s been eating salads 3 times a week with bell peppers ( read somewhere they help increase platelets) and he drinks egg plant tea and artichoke tea. So far he’s been at his highest 130.

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@loribmt

Hi @denisem20 Doing a quick search I found several articles which talk about possibly increasing platelets through diet. Foods high in certain vitamins and minerals may help the body make and maintain platelets in the blood.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-platelet-count
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https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/blood-conditions/8-things-that-can-increase-your-blood-platelet-count
There’s also a discussion in the forum regarding nutrition for Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/idiopathic-thrombocytopenia-prpura-itp/
However, while nutrients from foods may help with blood production because of an overall healthy diet, addressing the underlying cause for the platelet decrease is crucial. Depending on the diagnosis, there may be a need for treatment beyond diet.

As platelets get lower there is an increased risk for serious bleeding with cuts, internal bleeding or nosebleeds, etc. If you’re seeing more indication of this, your husband can always get in for an earlier blood test to make sure he doesn’t need a platelet infusion. Has your husband been diagnosed with a platelet disorder? You mentioned treatments, what is he being treated for?

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He has other health issues. I’m sorry it’s been so long I don’t remember what treatments. I know he had infusions back in 2020. Then was on prednisone. He’s now on Promacta and has been stable, so far 🤞🏻. We now know what signs to look for when he starts dropping platelets. Thankfully it hasn’t happened. We’re trying healthy diets, and teas.

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@1deedee

Can I ask you what dosage of prednisone is he taking. Also did he have a platelet transfusion that didn’t raise his platelets. I have very low platelets as well but couldn’t tolerate the prednisone.

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Have you tried Promacta? He hasn’t had any side effects with it. He’s been good on that one with less stress. I can’t remember the dosage on the prednisone

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Here is a short summary:

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can positively impact platelet production and function. For example, foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin K are beneficial. Conversely, some foods and substances can negatively affect platelets, so it's important to be mindful of your dietary choices.

Foods to Increase Platelet Count:
Folate-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12-rich foods: Dairy products (eggs, milk, cheese), fortified foods.
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers.
Vitamin K-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, liver, meat.

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@bobweller

Here is a short summary:

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can positively impact platelet production and function. For example, foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin K are beneficial. Conversely, some foods and substances can negatively affect platelets, so it's important to be mindful of your dietary choices.

Foods to Increase Platelet Count:
Folate-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12-rich foods: Dairy products (eggs, milk, cheese), fortified foods.
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers.
Vitamin K-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, liver, meat.

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Which foods should you avoid?

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@spoolly

My Mayo hematologist has told me numerous times that specific foods do not help my platelets and I simply need to each a healthy diet. I have been watch and wait with my CLL since 2008. Two years ago my platelets were trending down and approaching 100. We were starting to talk about treatments. I found on the internet a variety of foods that supposedly help your platelets. In particular I started putting riced cauliflower in my morning oatmeal. I use six heaping tablespoons of riced cauliflower. I also have just about every so called “super food” from the past 15 years in my oatmeal. flaxmeal, chia, cinnamon, bakers chocolate, turmeric, ginger, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, raisins, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, other fruits of the season. I actually like the flavor and do not really taste the cauliflower. Since then my platelets have moved between 110 and 130. My doctor, who I really respect, still tells that is not why my platelets have stayed acceptable. With that said I like it and figure why test fate. Best of luck to you!

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Thank you for your experience. I would agree with you on testing date. If it’s working now, why change it. Best of luck to you as well.

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@bobweller

Here is a short summary:

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can positively impact platelet production and function. For example, foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin K are beneficial. Conversely, some foods and substances can negatively affect platelets, so it's important to be mindful of your dietary choices.

Foods to Increase Platelet Count:
Folate-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12-rich foods: Dairy products (eggs, milk, cheese), fortified foods.
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers.
Vitamin K-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, liver, meat.

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Thank you

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